Deconstructing Hangovers with Science: "Hair of the Dog is a No-Go," Morning Reset Techniques for Resting Your Liver

1. Hangover as "Multiple Deficits in the Body"

Headache, fatigue, and dry mouth that strike the morning after a drinking party are essentially "multiple deficits" caused by alcohol. The diuretic effect leads to the loss of fluids and electrolytes such as sodium, paving the way for headaches and dizziness. Furthermore, acetaldehyde produced during metabolism amplifies mood disturbances and headaches. Sleep becomes shallow and short, and the liver's focus on detoxification reduces blood sugar supply—thus completing the "energy deficit" by the next morning. It's also known that dark-colored drinks (red wine, whiskey, dark rum, etc.) contain more congeners/tannins, which can exacerbate symptoms. tz.de

2. The "Real" Prevention: Zero Risk Means Not Drinking

The strongest preventive measure is not to drink—this may be blunt but it's the truth. However, in reality, people do drink. What helps then is "Zwischenwasser" (water in between) and a "solid meal beforehand (protein + moderate fat)." Drinking on an empty stomach is quickly absorbed and dangerous. Drinking 1-2 glasses of water before bed is a small technique to avoid exacerbating the damage the next morning. On the other hand, relying on electrolyte drinks before drinking doesn't make you invincible. Excess electrolytes tend to be excreted in urine, and the fundamental principle is "don't overdrink." tz.de

3. No "Shortcuts" the Next Morning: You Can't Speed Up, Just Adjust

Unfortunately, the breakdown of alcohol cannot be accelerated. Cold showers and strong coffee do not serve as "shortcuts." The body's processing capacity remains constant at approximately 0.1-0.2‰ per hour. So, what should you do? The key is to "return what was lost."

• Fluids and Electrolytes: Mineral water, vegetable juice, vegetable broth (soup), etc.

• Carbohydrates: Oatmeal + yogurt + banana + honey are well-matched for boosting blood sugar.

• Avoid Strong Drinks: Strong acids and carbonated drinks can easily irritate the stomach.

• Exercise Moderately: Opt for a "slow walk" rather than intense exercise.

• Choosing Painkillers: Considering the liver's burden,avoid paracetamol (acetaminophen)as a precaution.

• Avoid "Hair of the Dog": It may provide temporary relief but only adds to the burden.

• Non-Alcoholic Beer is Acceptable: Being isotonic, it contributes to electrolyte replenishment.
  These can be considered the latest practical guidelines compiled from comments by doctors and public institutions. tz.de

4. Examining "Folk Knowledge" on Social Media

Hangovers are a theme swirling with "life knowledge." The following trends can be observed on social media in the fall of 2025.

• Advocacy for Oral Rehydration Solutions (like OS-1)
  Many posts are based on personal experiences, stating "oral rehydration solutions are better than water" and "jelly types worked." Scientifically, "water + electrolytes" makes sense, butit's not a panacea. It doesn't compensate for excessive drinking. X (formerly Twitter)

• Miso Soup and Broth Culture
  "Salt + warm fluids" are gentle on the stomach and reasonable from the perspective of salt and potassium replenishment. Folk remedies like clam soup are also mentioned, butbeware of excessive fantasies about "liver efficacy". X (formerly Twitter)

• Herbal Medicine (like Goreisan)
  While experiences of improvement in swelling and nausea are shared, there are significant individual differences. As these are pharmaceuticals, it's best to avoid habitual self-judgment or using them as a "get-out-of-jail-free card" with alcohol. X (formerly Twitter)

• Spread and Criticism of "Hair of the Dog" Memes
  While it's a persistent joke, medically it isclearly not recommended. German articles also explicitly state it as "absolutely NG." X (formerly Twitter)

• Caution Against Misuse of Painkillers
  Posts warning about the combination of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and alcohol are occasionally seen. Articles also suggest "avoid," which is consistent. X (formerly Twitter)

In short, the majority opinion on social media does not significantly contradict the medical theory of "electrolytes + salt + gentle carbohydrates." However,there is no magic formula like "just drink ◯◯ before drinking and you'll be okay"—this is the decisive difference from professional opinions. tz.de

5. Back to Normal in 48 Hours?—A Recovery Timeline Guide

• 0-6 hours: Headache, nausea, dry mouth. Don't try to "perk up" with cold water or caffeine. Water + electrolytes, lukewarm soup, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates. tz.de

• 6-24 hours: Encourage circulation with a light walk and frequent replenishment. No alcohol. tz.de

• 24-48 hours: Sleep debt is resolved, and you're almost back to normal. If not recovered or worsening by this point, consult without overexertion. (The above is a generalization of insights from articles and doctor comments) tz.de

6. Practical Template (For Reference)

• Before Drinking: Meal with protein + moderate fat. Decide on the drinking limit "in advance." Include water breaks in the menu. tz.de

• Just Before Returning Home: 1-2 glasses of mineral water (or electrolyte drink). Avoid strong acids and carbonated drinks that hinder sleep induction. tz.de

• The Next Morning:

  • Water, vegetable broth, vegetable juice (not too cold)

  • Oatmeal + yogurt + banana + honey, or eggs + avocado + salt

  • Limit caffeine, avoid strenuous exercise

  • Avoid acetaminophen, do not resort to "hair of the dog"

  • Adding "electrolytes" with non-alcoholic beer is acceptable (do not over-rely) tz.de

7. Summary: "Recover," "Wait," and "Don't Overburden" the Next Morning

The essence of a hangover is deficits in water, salt, sugar, and sleep within the body. What you should do the next morning isrecover (replenish), andwait (align with the liver's pace). Temporary measures like "hair of the dog" or easy choices of painkillers ultimately become **overburdening (additional load)** and increase the debt. Wisdom from social media shines when layered on a medical foundation. tz.de

Main Sources of Information

• Germany's tz (published November 7, 2025): Physiology and coping with hangovers, no "hair of the dog," avoiding paracetamol, the role of non-alcoholic drinks, meal examples, etc. tz.de